Natural melanin nanoparticle-based photothermal film for edible antibacterial food packaging

•The melanin nanoparticles in cuttlefish ink have good Photothermal performance.•An edible antibacterial food packaging film with high safety was prepared.•The melanin nanoparticles improve the mechanical properties of pectin film.•The melanin nanoparticles also improved the antibacterial ability of the PC/NMPs films.